Canada has become one of the most welcoming destinations for international students — and for good reason. With its high-quality education system, multicultural environment, and opportunities to work while studying, it’s no surprise that students from all over the world dream of studying there.
However, studying abroad can be expensive. Thankfully, many Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students to help cover tuition and living expenses.
In this detailed guide, you’ll discover the top 10 universities in Canada that offer scholarships to foreign students, what each scholarship covers, and how you can apply.
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto (U of T) is one of Canada’s most prestigious institutions, and it offers numerous scholarships for international students every year.
Top scholarships:
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Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
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University of Toronto International Admission Scholarships – Automatically awarded based on academic performance.
Eligibility:
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Must be an international student applying for an undergraduate program.
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Must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential.
How to apply:
Apply for admission at future.utoronto.ca and get nominated by your school for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship.
2. University of British Columbia (UBC)
The University of British Columbia is a globally ranked university known for its strong commitment to supporting talented students from around the world.
Top scholarships:
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International Leader of Tomorrow Award (ILOT) – Based on academic merit, leadership, and financial need.
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Outstanding International Student Award (OIS) – One-time merit-based award given upon admission.
Coverage:
Both scholarships can cover tuition, books, and living expenses depending on financial need.
How to apply:
Submit an admission application at you.ubc.ca, then complete a separate scholarship profile before the deadline.
3. McGill University
Located in Montréal, McGill University is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected institutions. It offers several funding options for international students.
Top scholarships:
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McGill Entrance Scholarships – Automatically considered for all new undergraduates.
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McGill Scholarships and Bursaries Program – For students with demonstrated financial need.
Coverage:
Awards range from $3,000 to $12,000 per year, renewable based on academic performance.
How to apply:
Apply for admission through mcgill.ca and submit your supporting documents before the scholarship deadlines.
4. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta offers one of the most generous scholarship programs in Canada, welcoming students from over 150 countries.
Top scholarships:
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University of Alberta International Entrance Scholarship – Up to $5,000.
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President’s International Distinction Scholarship – Up to $120,000 (payable over four years).
Eligibility:
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Outstanding academic performance.
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Demonstrated leadership in extracurricular or community activities.
How to apply:
When you apply for admission through ualberta.ca, you’ll automatically be considered for most scholarships.
5. University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba (UM) offers many awards and bursaries for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Top scholarships:
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International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarships – Based on high school grades.
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Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) – For master’s and PhD students.
Coverage:
Undergraduate awards range from $2,000 to $5,000. Graduate fellowships offer up to $18,000 for PhD and $14,000 for master’s students annually.
How to apply:
Apply for admission through umanitoba.ca. Graduate students should apply separately for fellowships through their departments.
6. University of Ottawa
Located in Canada’s capital, the University of Ottawa provides several scholarships to international students across various study levels.
Top scholarships:
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President’s Scholarship for International Students – $30,000 over four years.
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Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students – $26,000 over four years.
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Faculty of Arts Dean’s Merit Scholarship – $4,000 over two years.
How to apply:
Submit your admission application at uottawa.ca. You’ll automatically be considered for most merit-based awards.
7. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary offers scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Top scholarships:
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University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship – $20,000 (renewable).
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International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship – $2,000 for IB diploma holders.
Eligibility:
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Strong academic record and extracurricular achievements.
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Must be entering the first year of an undergraduate program.
How to apply:
Apply through ucalgary.ca and complete the separate awards application after you receive an admission offer.
8. Western University
Western University, located in Ontario, is known for its vibrant student community and generous scholarships for international students.
Top scholarships:
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Western Admission Scholarship Program – $2,500 to $8,000 for top academic performers.
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President’s Entrance Scholarship – $50,000 total ($20,000 in first year, $10,000 per year after).
How to apply:
All new applicants are automatically considered when applying for admission via welcome.uwo.ca.
9. Dalhousie University
Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie University is a leading research university with many scholarships for global learners.
Top scholarships:
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Dalhousie Entrance Scholarships – Based on academic excellence and extracurricular achievements.
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Killam Predoctoral Scholarships – For master’s and PhD students in research fields.
Coverage:
Awards range from $3,000 to $40,000 depending on program level.
How to apply:
Undergraduate students are automatically considered after applying via dal.ca. Graduate students apply directly through their department.
10. Queen’s University
Queen’s University, located in Kingston, Ontario, combines world-class academics with strong support for international students.
Top scholarships:
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Queen’s University International Admission Scholarship – $9,000 one-time award.
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Major Admission Awards – $36,000 to $80,000 based on merit and leadership.
How to apply:
Apply to your program at queensu.ca and complete the Major Admission Awards (MAA) application by the university’s posted deadline.
Tips for Applying for Scholarships in Canada
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Start early – Many scholarships close months before the academic year begins.
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Prepare strong academic documents – Transcripts, certificates, and reference letters should be complete and accurate.
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Write a powerful personal statement – Explain why you deserve the scholarship and how you’ll contribute to your community.
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Check eligibility carefully – Some awards are specific to certain nationalities or programs.
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Apply to multiple universities – Expanding your applications increases your chances of receiving an offer.
Final Thoughts
Canada is not only a destination for high-quality education — it’s also a country that invests in talented students from around the world. Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or graduate program, there are numerous scholarship opportunities waiting for you.
By starting early, preparing your documents carefully, and applying to the right universities, you could earn a fully or partially funded opportunity to study in Canada in 2025 and beyond.